Cost of Living: San Francisco, CA vs Jersey City, NJ (2026)

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

San Francisco is 80% more expensive than Jersey City.

$2,419/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↓ 21%
$141,446/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↓ 33%
$1,380,500 ↑ 158%
Home Value
$534,500 ↓ 61%
$2,620/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↓ 23%
836,321
Population
289,691

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $517/month cheaper in Jersey City, saving renters about $6,204/year.

Median household income is $46,633/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Jersey City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Jersey City — common questions

Is San Francisco or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jersey City is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Jersey City?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $517/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Jersey City?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $46,633/year higher in San Francisco.
How do taxes compare between California and New Jersey?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to San Francisco or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/mo, while Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with rent of $1,902/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View San Francisco details → View Jersey City details →

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